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In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila
Published on: November 27, 2016
Progress in studies on the DEK protein and its involvement in cellular apoptosis
Ying Hua1, HongGang Hu, XiangLei Peng
1College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, China.
Abstract:
DEK protein is an ubiquitous phosphorylated nuclear protein. Specific binding of DEK to DNA could change the topology of DNA and then affect the gene activity of the underlying DNA sequences. It is speculated that there might be some potential relationship between the stress reaction of cells and DEK proteins. The phosphorylation status of DEK protein is altered during death-receptor-mediated cell apoptosis. Both phosphorylation and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation could promote the release of DEK from apoptotic nuclei to extracellular environment, and in this case DEK becomes a potential autoantigen of some autoimmune diseases. The available evidence powerfully suggests that DEK protein is closely relevant to apoptosis. The overexpression of DEK protein has dual function in cell apoptosis, in terms of inhibiting or triggering cell apoptosis.
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Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...

